Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont faced bipartisan backlash and withdrew his proposal to mandate all future electric vehicle (EV) purchases after just four months of unveiling it. The plan, introduced in July, aimed to align the state’s emissions standards with California, requiring that all passenger vehicles sold be electric by 2035. Additionally, the proposal included a mandate for 75% of trucks and buses to be electric by 2035.
Republican lawmakers, particularly those on the Legislative Regulation Review Committee, spearheaded opposition to the plan. Concerns were raised about the state’s electric grid capacity, the cost and location of necessary grid improvements, and potential adverse effects on working and middle-class families. The Republicans argued for a national and international approach to address air quality issues rather than a state-by-state strategy.
The withdrawal occurred on the day the committee was set to vote on the regulations. Connecticut Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly applauded the decision, stating that “common sense has prevailed.” He emphasized the need for the state legislature, as the elected representatives of the people, to make decisions on substantial policy shifts.
Other Republicans on the panel echoed these sentiments, with State Sen. John Kissel emphasizing that decisions of such magnitude should be made by the full state legislature. State Sen. Paul Cicarella noted that Democrats realized there was no concrete plan to implement the proposed EV mandate.
Opponents of Lamont’s plan argued that Connecticut lacked the necessary charging infrastructure to support an EV mandate. They also highlighted the potential economic burden and lack of clarity in the proposed regulations. This decision marks a setback for the EV industry and a surprising blow to environmentalists advocating for such mandates. However, conservative groups celebrated the withdrawal as a victory for consumers, expressing concerns about the costs and potential strains on energy infrastructure associated with an EV-only future. Governor Lamont’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
🚨 BREAKING: Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, has withdrawn his “climate friendly” proposal to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035 after facing MASS BACKLASH from Republicans.
A HUGE LOSS FOR THE CLIMATE CULT! 👏https://t.co/gKinmaW3bQ
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) November 28, 2023